Barksdale, pilots prepare for 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow

The Defenders of Liberty Air Show took flight Saturday. (Source: John Linden, KSLA News 12)

(Source: Barksdale Air Force Base)

BARKSDALE AFB, LA (KSLA) -

Barksdale Air Force Base is gearing up for the 2017 Defenders of Liberty Airshow.

The Blue Angels, the Navy’s premier aerial demonstration team, will headline this year’s festivities on May 6-7.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. and flying will begin at 11 a.m. on both days.

Other flying acts will include a P-51 Mustang, A-26 Invader, MiG-17, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. According to the release, acrobatic pilots such as Kevin Coleman, Mike Goulian, and Jeremy Holt will also be performing.

The 2-day event also features static displays on the ground, with crew members available to tell visitors all about them and give them a look inside.

The show is open to the public with free admission and free parking. On-base parking will be made available for visitors entering the North (Bossier) and West (Shreveport) gates. All vehicles will be directed to the flight line parking area.